Float conveyer



May 11, 1937. H R. R EA 2,080,216

FLOAT CONVEYER Filed April 11, 1936 Patented May 11, 1937 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE FLOAT CONVEYER Application April 11, 1936, Serial No. 73,896

1 Claim.

This invention relates to water sports and equipment therefor, and more specifically to a novel conveyer of the float type adapted to support the occupant comfortably and safely, partly 5 in and partly out of the water.

In the drawing of one embodiment of my invention selected for description and illustration herein:

Fig. l is a plan, parts being broken away for convenience; and

Fig. 2, a partial side elevation and partial longitudinal section on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1, viewed from the right.

Referring first to Fig. 1, my novel float conveyer comprises a narrow frame or body substantially on the lines of a row boat, and having side members or bars I, and tapering longitudinally in width toward both the bow and stern, of any suitable material, as wood, connected by braces or cross-bars 2 and short bow and stern deck-like brace sections 3 and 4, respectively.

At each end, the frame is provided with forward and rear jaws 5, 6, angularly projected upwardly and downwardly, which receive between m them and thereby hold in position close to the frame throughout, including the bow and stern, a suitable buoyant element 1, air and water tight, preferably collapsible at will, such as a tube of rubber or other proper material for that purpose. 3 The tube may be of any convenient size, but preferably is greater in diameter than the width of the frame member, with an inflating and deflating valve 8, and may be secured to the float body detachably, as by cords 9.

Between the bars 2-2 extend longitudinal bars l near the sides of the float, and from which is suspended, as by parallel end straps ll, front strap l2 and rear straps 13, a seat M, which is usually fixed at such height as will permit the 40 occupant to be partially below the surface of the water. The rear seat straps l3 are crossed to assist in preventing the seat from swinging laterally.

The rear deck section or brace 4 is apertured at P5 to give access to and protection for the valve 8. It is not necessary that the tube be made to conform closely to the shape of the float, although that is desirable especially at the bow and stem to protect those points from chafing against other boats, or the pier, and also to protect the user therefrom, as obviously the tube will be entirely effective for its purpose for support, if of proper size and of resilient material.

The bow deck may be provided with an aperture IE, or other device, to receive a tow or tie rope, if desired.

When the tube is inflated and the float put into the Water, it will support the occupant comfortably and safely, partly in the water, and he may propel himself with his hands and feet, if desired, while resting his chest thereon and grasping with his hands the braces ID, as there is an entire absence of obstacles above the level of the frame, while learning to swim, or he may be towed by another.

Of course, the seat 14 may be suspended at as low a point as desired, and thus add to the exhilaration of the sport, and the body or frame may be of any desired size.

My invention is not restricted to the particular embodiment thereof herein disclosed and described.

I claim:

In a floatable, bottomless boat-shaped conveyer having an inflatable air container with a valve, and comprising a narrow frame tapering in width at bow and stern, braces for the frame within the same with a pocket in the rear brace to receive and protect the air container valve, a seat suspended from the braces by a forward strap, crossed rear straps and parallel end straps to insure stability of the seat against swinging; upwardly, downwardly and angularly extended jaws at the bow and stern to receive and hold at those points the inflatable air container close to the frame throughout its length, and extended above and below the frame whereby the user is protected from injury by the frame, and whereby the top of the frame and container are free of obstacles and permit one to rest his body on the container at any point without touching the frame, and push it before him to aid him in learning to swim, as well as to sit in the conveyer and be towed.

HARRY R. REA. 

